Day of Remembrance, Skins 1-0

I woke up Sunday morning in a grumpy mood. Partially because I first woke to Nick violently shaking me while screaming it's, "GAME DAAYYYY!! GO SKIINNSS!!" This was at 6:30am. On a Sunday. All week he's been acting like a kid on Christmas Eve waiting for the Redskins opening day. Naturally my answer to this outburst was to roll over and put the covers over my head yelling politely telling him to "GET OUT!" I woke up again around 9am ready to face the day. I was slow moving at first...then I realized this was happening outside my door:

On Sunday the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis hosted the second annual 9/11 Heroes Run, which attracted more than 600 runners. The 9/11 Heroes Run is held in memory of those who lost their lives protecting our country and to honor those who protect us everyday like fire fighters, police officers and military personnel. The run raises money for the Travis Manion Foundation.Tom and Janet Manion started receiving checks in the mail after they lost their son, Travis Manion, to enemy sniper fire in 2007. His parents decided to donate every penny, more than $100k, to causes that encourage service and love of country, and that's how the Travis Manion Foundation started. Nick & I unfortunately didn't hear about the race in time to sign up but we are always happy to cheer on such a worthy cause, even if I am in my PJs and my hair's not did. Don't judge me.

Inside, we tuned the TV to the 9/11 Memorial Plaza Special and listened to it while we got ready for the Redskins game. It was hard for me to watch...so I listened from the bathroom as I got ready while Nick was showering, over the steam and water I could faintly hear bagpipes playing Amazing Grace coming from the TV. It was enough to give me goose bumps and bring tears to my eyes. Then Nick started whistling the tune and I asked, "Did that song just pop into your head?" He said, "Yea, why?" Me: "Because it's playing on the TV right now." I love Amazing Grace, it's something about the mixture of feelings: melancholy, hope and gratefulness.

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.
T'was Grace that taught my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear
The hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares
I have already come;
'Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures.
Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace.
When we've been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise
Than when we've first begun.


Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me.
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now I see.

I lived in Warwick, New York for five years - about 60 minutes from Manhattan. My closest neighbors were NYC police officers on duty 9/11/01. My best friends parents were at work  in NYC & at the Pentagon 9/11/01. My dads coworkers were in the towers on 9/11/01.  And my uncle is in Afghanistan today, ten years later, with twin daughters who are about to turn one year old. He will miss their birthday. I want to stop and thank anyone who is currently serving this country, living by the motto: If not me, Then who? You are appreciated every. single. day. We will never forget.

On the way to the Redskins game that afternoon we stopped to get the essentials and I ran into Michael's crafts to pick up a last minute DIY in honor of 9/11 & our very good friend/severely avid Skins lover Tommy Redmiles (T.Red) who passed away this spring from complications with Crohn's Disease. But okay, I'm really trying so hard to bring the spirits of this post a little HIGHER :) So I will tell you all about Tommy a little later...

See how cute! I thought of the idea spur of the moment and lucky me I even had a coupon! The ribbon was put together with the safety pin poking through the button hole and BAM on the shirt. And I thought of this saying to put on the back of our Redskins koozies to commemorate T. Red. It only took me about 10 minutes to make 20 pins & write on the koozies. Easy peasy. Let's go SKINS.

Budget

Red White Blue ribbon: $1.29

Star buttons: $2.29

Safety pins: $2.19

Gold paint pen: $1.55 (50% off)

TOTAL: $7.32

Not too bad, considering I have leftovers of everything (except the buttons) that I can still use for later. Plus everyone loveeedd the USA ribbon, who can blame them?

 If you've never been to a football game before, lots of exciting stuff happens before kick off...

 Like getting to watch the cheerleaders run around. Now I know why Nick likes to get to our seats early.

Washington Redskins 1 - New York Giants 0

Did your football team win this weekend? I am soo over the moon about the Redskins, do you think we will beat the Cardinals next week? Where were you when you heard about 9/11? Do any crafting this weekend?



*Pictures at the top of page were taken by Rebecca Cleary